Hello subscribers. I have been having a break from uploading stuff for a long time due to my studies. But this time I have a treat for you. After years and years of searching, I finally found the complete soundboard recording of Elton John's shows at Madison Square Garden, 15th + 16th of October 1999 -- it is a mix of tracks from both shows. Although this is the complete recording it misses four tracks (Blue Eyes, Take Me To The Pilot, Circle Of Life, and Candle In The Wind). The quality, though, is the best you can get -- such an amazing sound!
The recording has a weird sequence which does not fit into the set list so I have synchronized the tracks with the matching set lists from the shows, so do not get confused when Elton says something about the next song which has nothing to do with the song he actually plays.
I have always loved this show and I believe that it is among the best of the entire Medusa tour. Elton's voice is in a superb shape and he delivers great versions of every song. The first song, Your Song, is a fantastic version. Elton's voice is very powerful and is very seducing. Skyline Pigeon is good, but with a few unstable moments, but the audience seems to like it. Fantastic version of The Greatest Discovery which is very smooth plus Elton seems to be very steady throughout the song. Border Song is also very good with great powers! One of the best ever versions of Harmony is performed here and though the song has been transposed one key down, it is still a great song. Daniel is always a great tune and Elton delivers a good version of one of Elton's favorite songs.
Honky Cat, the first up-tempo song during the set, is one of the best solo versions ever performed. Elton plays an incredible solo and hits the falsetto strong and clean. Fabulous and intense version of Rocket Man with great improvisations. However, I still believe that the version from Ephesus has yet to be beaten. Tiny Dancer is a very good version with very tight piano playing and great vocals. Better Off Dead is very clean and smooth and Elton's voice is just superb -- absolutely stunning! A top three version of Philadelphia Freedom is performed here and Elton hits the Ab4's in the chorus very clean and the piano is very funky and bluesy. Also the few falsettos work -- basically, everything works here!
Some more obscure songs are also played during these shows. The first song is Elton's Song which is one of my favorite songs and this version is very good -- again, Elton nails the falsettos and it is just such a beautiful song. The next song, which is also rather obscure, is Sweet Painted Lady which is also a great and memorable moment. One of my favorite solo versions of I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues is performed and Elton nails the song with a mix of album phrasing and some bluesy re-phrasings. Ticking is a great moment during the set with what I describe as one of Bernie Taupins best lyrics! Carla/Etude/Tonight is an awesome track and Elton sings Tonight brilliantly!
Burn Down The Mission is a top three version with fantastic vocals and an awesome solo. It has so many technically refinements and Elton knows exactly how to use them! The One is also fantastic, but does not beat Chicago 1999, Empty Garden has to be one of the best versions ever. Though the song has been transposed 2 keys down it still sounds great! Levon is great with an alternative solo and Crocodile Rock seems to be pleasing the audience! Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me is a fantastic performance which I absolutely love! Bennie And The Jets ends the show. This particular version is one of the best versions ever performed and has this amazing "in the mood" section which is awesome! Elton puts on fantastic vocals too!
- Enjoy!
Note 1: The audience is fantastic!